Berkshire test for C&G holders

12 November 2004

Gloucestershire lifted the 2004 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy in the final at Lord's

Holders Gloucestershire will begin their quest for a third straight Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy title with a trip to face Minor Counties side Berkshire in the first round in 2005.

The draw for the opening rounds was made at Gloucestershire's County Ground home in Bristol, with 32 teams set to start the quest for a final appearance at Lord's when the first round takes place next May.

Berkshire qualified for the first round by reaching the final of the 2004 MCCA Knock-Out Trophy, which they won by beating Northumberland by seven wickets at Lord's earlier this month.

Eight other minor counties earned their place as the highest points scorers in the 2004 MCCA Championship, while Denmark, Ireland, Scotland and Holland were also guaranteed home C&G Trophy ties for 2005.

Denmark will therefore be hosting a first class county for the first time, with Northamptonshire having to plan a trip to Scandinavia.

Ireland will look to repeat their giant-killing of Surrey this season as they host Yorkshire.

Devon, who recorded a narrow victory over Leicestershire at Exmouth in 2004, will take on Essex, while Leicestershire themselves entertain Somerset and Durham play Derbyshire in the two all-first class county ties.

Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy 2005:

Round One

Matches to be played on May 3 (May 4 reserve day):

Denmark v Northamptonshire

Berkshire v Gloucestershire

Devon v Essex

Northumberland v Middlesex

Ireland v Yorkshire

Buckinghamshire v Lancashire

Wiltshire v Kent

Durham v Derbyshire

Matches to be played on May 4 (May 5 reserve date):